I tried Ubuntu 8.04 about a year ago. Loved it but I could never get Flash sound to work. I tried Ubuntu 9.04 a week ago and was determined to make a go of it. I scoured the forums and tried every solution I could find on all the forums. I reformatted and installed the newest version of Linux Mint. So now here I am with a fresh install and would like step by step help to figure this out. I'm beginning to think it is hopeless and that I might just need to try a newer soundcard.

I have HDA Intel onboard sound and I could never get the S/PDIF output to work (even in windows). I have a older soundcard installed that works well for my needs. It works in windows. It is ICEnsemble1724. The sound plays out of the left and right channels on theICEnsemble1724 but not the S/PDIF.No sound is being output to the onboard sound. So in that respect I think I have all sound going to the correct card.Any suggestions?

P.S. I suck at command line stuff so if that is required in the solution keep it simple. I'm willing to learn.

I might have spoken too soon about MP3. MP3 plays in Rythmbox but no sound in Gnome Mplayer. Sound doesn't work in video either. Not too concern about those because I'm sure I can get that figured out.

Plugged my headphones into the back of the PC next to the optical out I'm trying to get working and the sound works. Just not out the optical. This is frustrating. Would buying another sound card make a difference?